Brazil · CANOES & KAYAKS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 7 kayak trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Paddle from Pontal beach around Ilha dos Pombos and into Paraty’s mangroves with guides such as Brenda or Mateo. Expect about 90 minutes on the water, a relaxed pace, wildlife sightings, a canal route past the historic center, and single or double kayaks. Instruction, life jackets, and gear are included.
“Very fun kayaking trip! The guide was great. We got to see a bunch of wildlife in a very chill setting.”
Start at Adrenailha in São João do Rio Vermelho, learn to handle a semi-oceanic kayak, then paddle through Lagoa da Conceição and Rio Vermelho State Park. Your route changes with wind, weather, and group ability. Guides such as Sergio and Diana add local insight. The two-hour outing suits first-time paddlers who want nature without a full-day commitment.
“The tour shows you beautiful sights you would otherwise not be able to experience in this way. The nature is truly amazing and our guide Sergio was very knowledgable about everything. He gave us interesting bits of information about what we were seeing throughout the whole tour. It is very peaceful and tranquil which adds to the experience. Even for first time kajakers like us the tour is very manageable. Sergio explained the technique very well and we did not have any problems. If you have the chance to book this tour we would definitely recommend it if you are a fan of nature and experiencing it in an active…”
Meet near Posto 6, beside the Fairmont Hotel and Fisherman colony Z-13, for a 90-minute sunrise SUP outing. A multilingual instructor teaches the basics, then you paddle about five minutes to a clear sunrise position near Copacabana Fort. Boards, paddles, life jackets, lockers, and advertised photo and video coverage are included.
“Fue una gran experiencia, lo único que pienso de puede mejorar es la puntualidad para comenzar la actividad ya que el amanecer estaba por salir y aún seguíamos en tierra.”
Meet at 4 pm in Pontal for a gentle two-hour kayak trip toward Jabaquara Beach, Paraty’s remaining urban mangrove, and Ilha dos Pombos. After basic instruction, you’ll paddle about 60 minutes with a guide such as Brenda or Mateo, looking for capybaras, birds, bromeliads, and sunset views. Equipment is provided.
“This was such a great tour! Brenda was a wonderful guide and showed us so many cool things. Highly recommend.”
From Pontal Beach, local guides such as Brenda, Paulo, Lumila, and Sergio lead a calm kayak route toward Paradise Beach, Jabaquara, Itú Island, and Várzea do Corumbê. Choose a two-hour outing with possible capybara sightings or a three-hour route focused on extra paddling and secluded beaches. Equipment is provided.
“the beautiful nature in its purity the beautiful nature in its purity the beautiful nature in its purity”
Travel from Foz do Iguaçu to Aguaray Expedition for a guided 1.4-kilometer forest hike, about an hour on the Iguaçu River by kayak or SUP, and a waterfall swim. Guides speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Confirm the SUP option before booking, as it was not always available.
“It was lovely! Being in nature hiking, kayaking, and canyoning was therapeutic! Everyone involved were incredible, the driver William, the guides Fran, Jefferson, and young man whom I forgot his name were all pleasant to be around! I highly recommend.”
Meet your English, Portuguese, or Spanish-speaking guide at Pontal Beach for a four-hour double-kayak outing across calm Paraty Bay. Paddle among islands, swim at a beach, and enter the mangroves when the tide allows. Giuliano has led nature-focused trips with wildlife and local insight, while guides provide safety gear and rescue training.
“It was great! We went to a beautiful beach and get to swim there. We went to an other part of the mangroves when we could not enter the original one due to the tides, which was super nice and thoughtful. We saw a bunch of birds and other animals and Giuliano told us so much about the nature around Paraty. Highly recommend the tour! Muito obrigada Giuliano”
Pick a summit, a coast or a waterfall.
